How to get there - Skipton is Well signposted on A65/A59/A629.
For those with SatNav a nearby postcode is BD23 1TE (the launch site is abut half a mile beyond the postcode)
Get a map with driving directions to start (enter the postcode of your starting point at A)
Suggested Launch Site - Small free parking area adjacent to the canal at Niffany Viaduct
General
Description - Journey length is 10 miles. Paddle through Skipton, exploring the Springs Branch on the way. Turn around 2.5 miles south of the town at Bradley Swing Bridge where there is parking and a picnic site.
No locks but 3 low bridges which will require portage. Last at the turn around point can be avoided by mooring on the Skipton side of the bridge.
Comments on this trip
Howard Fernandes 05 Apr 2024
Attack swans are not uncommon however they don't have teeth and their jaws are just about strong enough to chew soggy bread. I've handled lots of them. What you do want to avoid is a crack from the bony joint in its wing. Its not going to break your arm but its a fairly substantial whack and can leave you with very sore and swollen one.
John Dolan 17 Dec 2013
Please be very aware of the aggressive swan on this route, it attacks from behind and follows for a long way. Although I don't think it would actually bite, it could be very frightening for young children. It's a lovely route though and I got very close to a kingfisher and heron, well worth the aggro !
John Dolan 21 Nov 2013
Liz saville 27 Jun 2011
A lovely route! Ducklings and moorhens and two herons! Everybody we met on the way were very friendly. We have an inflatable canoe and managed to get under all but one of the low bridges. Thanks for the description.
Alan Barnstable 06 Jul 2008
Nice easy paddle. but much of it's length is beside roads, and about two thirds along there's a swan which hates canoes. It's lived there for fifteen years and kept on attacking me until I got the canoe out the water !
